Ingredients:

  • 1.4kg/3 lbs Italian Sausage, sweet, mild, or hot
  • 2 large bell peppers (about 450g), any colour, cored, seeded, and sliced
  • 1 large onion (about 225g), sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 9g)
  • 700g/24 oz jar of your favourite marinara sauce
  • 1 (398ml/14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Olive oil, for searing (optional)

Instructions:

  1. (Optional: Sear the Sausages): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sausages on all sides. This adds depth of flavour and keeps them juicy.
  2. (Layer the Veggies): Place the sliced bell peppers and onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. (Add the Sausages): Arrange the seared (or unseared) sausages on top of the vegetables.
  4. (Pour on the Sauce): In a bowl, combine the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages and vegetables.
  5. (Slow Cook): Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The sausages should be cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the vegetables tender.
  6. (Serve and Enjoy): Garnish with fresh basil before serving.